Runnymede - Windermere Merger

Background and Context

In early 2022, our neighbours at Windermere United Church started a process to discern their future as a faith community. In January 2023, Windermere United decided to seek to merge with another church. After consultation and much prayerful consideration, Windermere United voted on 5 March 2023 to enter into dialogue solely with Runnymede United as a potential merger partner.

Windermere United had deep roots in our west Toronto community, became an Affirming congregation in 2019, and had a legacy of strong support for Truth and Reconciliation, social justice, and community outreach.
Runnymede United Church was also an Affirming congregation, was active in social justice and outreach, and shared a neighbourhood with Windermere. Our joint merger vision was to create a two campus church, with greater critical mass, a single Community of Faith, and a goal of community outreach and social justice in west Toronto.

The congregations of both
Runnymede United and Windermere United voted in favour of the Amalgamation Agreement that underpins our shared commitment to sustain and grow United Church ministry in west Toronto. On 17 May 2023, the Communities of Faith Commission of Shining Waters Region provided its final approval of the Agreement.
The effective date of the amalgamation was 1 June 2023.
For your ongoing reference, this page will provide a historical record of the timeline and documentation of our amalgamation journey.

Runnymede - Windermere Merger
One Faith Community
beginning 1 June 2023

Celebrating the merger of Runnymede and Windermere United Churches.

History of the Merger of Runnymede and Windermere

At the invitation of Windermere United Church, a group from Runnymede met with their Amalgamation Steering Group on February 9th. Representing Runnymede were Robin Pilkey, Brian Traquair, Rev. Ted Grady and Laura Gallagher-Doucette. This meeting was an opportunity for Windermere to describe their goals in an amalgamation and for Runnymede to ask questions.
On February 14th, Windermere sent us a letter to say they had narrowed down their potential church partners to Runnymede and Islington, and asked to meet again.
On February 23rd, we met with Windermere again, with Alex Cruickshank also on the team. Windermere provided us with a list of questions in advance, which we answered in a presentation and Q&A format. We also posed questions of our own. It was a productive and positive meeting for both teams.
On February 27th, Windermere sent us a letter saying that their preferred choice was Runnymede.
On February 28th, the Runnymede Board met and received a briefing and a recommendation to enter into formal dialogue with Windermere on a merger. This motion was passed unanimously. We added Brenda Lien and Debra Horsfield to the Merger Working Group.
On March 5th, on behalf of the Board and the group, Brian Traquair announced the decision of the Board to formally explore a merger with Windermere United Church. Brian described the likely structure and benefits of a merger for both churches. It was also conveyed clearly that the decision can only be made by the congregational votes meetings called for that purpose by each church, on a date to be determined. Members of the working group answered questions during coffee hour.
On March 23rd, the Windermere and Runnymede Working Groups met at Windermere United Church to have a tour, review a draft agreement, firm up a timeline, answer questions and plan next steps. It was a positive meeting.
On March 28th, the Runnymede Church Board reviewed the proposed terms of the merger and were unanimous in voting to continue the process and to provide the draft agreement to Windermere for their review.
On March 30th, the Windermere Working Group said that after review of the draft agreement, they supported proceeding to a joint review with Shining Waters Region staff.
On April 4th, representatives of both church Working Groups reviewed the proposed agreement with staff representatives of Shining Water Region. This was not an approval but a step to make sure that the form and substance of the proposed agreement are in accordance with United Church of Canada policy and process. The review went well.
On April 10th, the draft Amalgamation Agreement was sent to the Communities of Faith Commission of the Shining Waters Region for their initial review on Wednesday April 19th.
On April 13th, we held a Town Hall information meeting by Zoom. We had 18 participants plus the Working Group, and we received a number of good questions, and answered them with the information we have at the moment.
On April 15th, a Runnymede team did a technical tour of the Windermere church building conducted by their chair of Trustees. The tour was very useful and the conclusion was that the building is in comparable condition to the Runnymede building, which is important context for us in our decision making.
On April 16th we held our second of two Town Halls. The event was held in-person after church and was well attended with over 60 people present. There was a wide range of questions and good discussion. Here is a link to the slide presentation: Town Hall Presentation (16 Apr 2023). We also assembled written answers to the questions raised in the Town Halls. The link is below.
On April 19th, the Communities of Faith Commission of the Shining Waters Region approved the proposed Amalgamation Agreement between Runnymede and Windermere. If both congregations vote “Yes”, then the Commission will give formal approval in their next meeting on May 17.
On April 23, Windermere United held its Congregational Meeting, where it voted on and approved the Amalgamation Agreement via the motions within it.
On April 23, the Amalgamation Agreement was made available to members of Runnymede for their review prior to the vote on May 14. Amalgamation Agreement
On April 30, Windermere United held its last service on Windermere Avenue. There was a good crowd and much celebration and reminiscing. The folks at Windermere have made a series of short videos of their memories, and posted them to their YouTube channel. This collection of memories is a great way to get to know our neighbours at Windermere United Church and their history, culture, and community. One video is an inspiring vignette on the history behind Windermere’s sign ministry. Another is about how Windermere’s tenants add to the life of the community by illustrating the outreach and connection provided by the Swansea School of Dance. And enjoy this beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” that was part of a special service for Windermere during the pandemic.
On May 14, Runnymede United held its Congregational Meeting, where it voted on and approved the Amalgamation Agreement via the motions within it.
On May 17, the Communities of Faith Commission of The Shining Waters Region approved the amalgamation of Runnymede United and Windermere United. Approval Letter from Shining Waters .
On May 28, we held a special service of celebration on the joining of Runnymede and Windermere into one faith community. The service included a special reading, the presentation of a quilt of memories from Windermere members and a lunch after the service.
On June 1, the amalagmation became effective, as we became one faith community as Runnymede United Church.

Amalgamation Agreement

Runnymede - Windermere Merger

Background and Context

Runnymede - Windermere MergerOne Faith Communitybeginning 1 June 2023

History of the Merger of Runnymede and Windermere

Amalgamation Agreement

Town Hall Presentation

Question and Answer Updates

Initial Announcement:

Correspondence:

Runnymede Working Group Members:

Join our Community

Runnymede - Windermere Merger
One Faith Community
beginning 1 June 2023